Gone Crooksy

Remembering . . .

2012-02-01T21:55:00.012-07:00

A good friend shared something that's been on my mind and anyway . . so last Sunday we had a great lesson in Sunday school and a question was asked about the importance of remembering. We are in 1 Nephi in the Book of Mormon and there are four brothers and their family is faced with quite the challenge. Two brothers grow and find great blessings through this (or you could say these) challenges. The other two brothers shrink from opportunities, become bitter and miserable. Really they do the opposite of grow. I find this so interesting. All four of them had the same equal opportunities for blessings but only two of them chose to receive them. As you read you can see the differences between them. The biggest one I noticed was that Nephi often brought up or mentioned the miracles the Lord had performed in the past for his ancestors. He found great strength through that. His remembering gave him assurance, gave his faith foundation and helped him to find courage that was so often needed. I love this story/example of the power of remembering. I do not have to cross a wilderness like Nephi did but, I have had a rough day before - for me anyway. I have learned and am still learning that remembering is a conscious choice. Sometimes it is HARD to remember but if I choose to then the challenges ahead really do appear to me asopportunities for growth and blessings. I want to be better at remembering. So right now I am going to share/ blog/ record for my own sake some of my blessings. I like visuals. I think that is why I like to take pictures so much. These (below) make me smile AND help me to see opportunities and especially the blessings in my life. And I am SO grateful for them!

A day at the park in January

2012-01-25T13:49:00.005-07:00

Well there is snow on the ground again BUT last week we had blue skies and temperatures in the 50's! So we went straight to the park - one with swings! My girls love swings and it had been a while. We had LOTS of fun! The pictures say the rest . . .

SNOW!!!

2012-01-10T20:49:00.023-07:00

All I had to do was talk about spring and winter came back! HOORAY! It snowed! We love this white stuff! As soon as it looked like there was enough we headed to the best snow on earth - Rock Canyon. It is a giant bowel so plenty of hill for everyone! Steep or not so steep. We were all so excited! I think especially Matt! There was only one problem. After going down once Evelyn was not to sure (which really surprised us!) and she didn't want to go anymore. We didn't force it. There were lots of snowmen being built and Evelyn decided that's what she wanted to do instead. We were a little disappointed but building the snowman was fun!

Everybody helped!

We hadn't really planned on building a snowman so . . .I looked in my pockets and found some cough drops and a snicker wrapper, took off my hat and took out my ponytail holders (good thing I have to use two for my hair) and wallah! Here is our snowman! Evelyn put on the last touches
I love those three! Two cute pink marshmallows and one handsome guy!
After that Matt got Leah to go down with him again. She was pretty quiet for it all ( I think the not being able to see LOL. helped) But also if you know Leah she gets pretty serious when something new is going on - or someone new is in the room. She would win any staring contest. Evelyn still didn't want to sled so we went to look at snowmen. We saw some pretty amazing ones!
(the guy in this picture is TALL!!!) so just imagine the snowman
We admired
Evelyn got to go say hi to these two and she was pretty much the happiest little girl ever!
That warmed her up and she decided to try again on a different hill. We had success! And after that we couldn't keep her from it! She cried when we had to go home.
(horsey rides) were her favorite way down. Dad loved it too! He carried her and the sled up the hill time after time after time

And then we ran into some of our best friends! The Matsushita's. We were so happy to see them there!
Matt wanted to race and that's what we ended up doing the rest of the day. Here he is giving the rules. . .
And they're off!

Then Dad and Evie took on Momo and Mato

We had SO much fun! We LOVE the snow but EVEN MORE we love the fun we are having with our our little family! With the changes that are coming and a possible deployment somewhere in our future I count each of these memories as precious and wonderful!

The Beginning of The End

2012-01-08T13:23:00.007-07:00

Last week Matt started his last semester here at Brigham Young University. It has been a bit strange to think about. The week before school started we attacked each room (there are not too many but that was good) we cleaned everything out. Threw away lots of stuff! And tried to simplify even more what we had. It felt good! But I did catch myself reminiscing quite a bit. I realized when we were taking down Christmas decorations that next Christmas we will be in an entirely new place when we open those boxes. Matt will graduate and commission in April and then . . . .we wait! For the NCLUX. We think the earliest he will be able to take it will be the end of May. Then we wait for results. When they come then we find out when he goes to Texas for two months and when and where we will be stationed. Matt ranked quite high at LDAC last summer so they told us to plan on our number one preference which was Ft. Lewis Washington. So sometimes we think we kind of know what our lives will be like in this new year and sometimes we wonder what curve balls could get thrown our way. And sometimes I feel quite sad to think about leaving Wymount Terr. This is all my girls have ever known and it has been wonderful an d fun and safe! Matt and I have been here since July 5 2008 when we got married so I feel at times like it's all we've ever known too. I have learned so much here! And met incredible people and made dear friends. Matt has worked SO hard! In his schooling, in the military, at the MTC, in his callings most of all as a husband and father. I am excited to watch him continue to succeed and to be by his side and support him in a career and probably more schooling (smiley face) and whatever else The Lord has in store for Him (meaning us) Our experiences have been priceless! It has not always been easy! In fact there were times I could not wait to get out of Provo! But now when faced with leaving the blessings of living here flood my mind and I wonder am I crazy?!? I wanted to leave this place! And now I find myself content to stay for a while longer yet. That is probably the problem. I am finally starting to feel content here (it took a long time) so I guess that means I am ready for a change. And I am excited too! Thrilled at times to think about all the new experiences our little family will get to have together. I have learned and am still learning The Lord cares, He is in charge and His ways really are best! His ways or His gospel have blessed my life in priceless ways. And so I am excited to apply them to our new adventures! I trust He will take care of us. Changes are coming. The girls are getting so much older! One change we have loved! is moving our mattress to the living room every night. Yep! And back in our room every morning. Everyone has their own room. And we are all getting so much more sleep! It has changed my life!!! I have learned to do what works for your family. This may seem interesting for the time being but it is working for ours! I figure as long as we keep doing our best to live the gospel and do what is best for our family (by those standards) we will be ok! So HOORAY! For having a few more precious months left here and HOORAY for changes to come! We are excited!Can you see the excitement? I LOVE my girls and we are grateful they have joined our family to share in our adventures with us. Thank you Evelyn and Leah for the light you bring to our lives! And thank you Matt for taking care of us! We have always had what we needed and really what we wanted too!

Is It Spring?

2012-01-05T20:01:00.019-07:00

This weather lately has been crazy! And although we want and need snow we have been enjoying it. The week before Matt went back to school we spent every day outside. We had picnics, went hiking, to the playground, sun bathed and played with friends. This is our little Japanese family. They live in the building next to us. We LOVE them! They are SO kind and especially with Evelyn. She loves to play with Momo and Mato (nicknames - Japanese names are a little tricky) she always wants to go over but they are often in school so getting to play with them has been a treat! They played snake, made bird feeders -Evelyn would run around and find a tree then Momo would climb it and hang it and Evelyn would squeal with delight and then we would sit and watch the birds come. Mato and Evelyn watched clouds (so cute!) and Leah just loved being a part of everything. We also have spent several morning up Rock Canyon exploring, playing in the river bed building rock fortresses. Leah tried some dirt and made a little nest for herself with leaves. We love the outdoors! When spring does come (because I know winter will be back at least once) we will welcome it gladly.

I love me these cheeks!

Helping sister hike

New Years Day

2012-01-05T19:34:00.016-07:00

The first day of 2012 was wonderful! We go to to go church back in our ward. WE love our ward! (even if it is at 8:00 a.m.) and then Grandma and Grandpa came down! While we waited for them to get here we went up and sat by the temple and sun bathed. It was lovely! Then . . .since it has felt like spring lately and not winter we went and found a place that still felt like winter. Up Provo Canyon is Bridal Veil Falls. It is always beautiful but I have to say this time it was especially stunning! It was cold! And there was ice skating! Finally . . it felt like January! We were so glad to have Papa (Evelyn's name for Grandpa) and Grandma with us
I heart this picture!

Matt took this picture. I think it is incredible!
Good thing Papa didn't just let her stand on it . . .talk about thin ice
"I got some ice!" Evelyn
I heart this too!

It was a beautiful wonderful day! After we went home and had pumpkin pancakes yet again. We have found my hidden talent in pumpkin pancakes and making shapes for the holiday we're in. I kind of tried fireworks? LOL. They kind of worked (but I am so excited because on pinterest I found a website for fun things to do with pancakes. YAY!) anyway - we ate yummy food and relaxed. Great way to start a new year! We know it's gonna be a good one! Full of changes and adventure . . bring it on! (I think)

Thanks for coming down Papa and Grandma. We love you!

New Years Eve

2012-01-05T19:10:00.009-07:00

We brought in the New Year with some of our best friends! They were kind enough to take us in and let us celebrate with them. One of the great things that has happened in this past year is getting to know them better. We are so grateful to live so close to them! (really close.LOL) and are amazed we haven't driven them crazy but they keep letting us come up and it has truly been a blessing to have them in our lives and the lives of our children. Thanks guys! We ate a delicious meal! And then partied! With two girls you might wonder how much fun you can have in a little room? A lot!

Dad trying to get his hat over his . . . .head.
I don't know why but when I look at this picture I think I can see a little of what Evelyn might look like down the road. She is truly beautiful! And has the spirit to match!
Ahhh . . .our little garden gnome! How we love our Leah! She has brought a lot of spunk, personality (as if we didn't have enough already) and laughter to our family this past year!
Both these girls have been our greatest joy! They have grown so much and taught us so much! We are excited to bring in a new year with them!
So Happy New Years from the Crooks! (a little late) 2011 - good times! great oldies!

Christmas at Grandpa and Grandma's

2012-01-03T20:03:00.026-07:00

After celebrating as much as we could down at home in Provo we headed up to Grandma and Grandpa's for more of the magic of Christmas. We went to Temple Square again with the whole family! (minus Dude (David and Sheridan's new edition) ) It was good to all be together and the best place to celebrate Christmas.

We bundled up and out we went
All of us! The Doug Hirschi family is getting big!
For Christmas Eve we headed over to Grandpa Max and Grandma Patt's for a hay ride and caroling and afterwards yummy soups and bread sticks and homemade cider and goodies to warm us up! ( and fatten us up) LOL. It was a good night and so nice to be with family

We sang like angels
The girls really did have a good time. With Leah saying wow! at all the lights and Evelyn loved when we sang Jingle Bells. She knows every word!
And then Christmas morning came! (I love that tree!) First we ate yummy crepes with all sorts of good fillings (yes - I have figured out crepes! (thanks dad!) and many others who have taught over the years - new Christmas morning tradition in the Crooks home) We also had sausage and eggs. (our girls favorites) they are crazy and don't like crepes . . .yet. . . .

After that we headed in to share and give gifts.
My mom made my Dad an awesome quilt out of all his soccer t-shirts. I was SO impressed! I know many hours went into it!
And the girls got spoiled! Really we all did! At one point tears just started to run down my face in overwhelming gratitude. We have been given SO much! With two little busy girls I didn't do much picture taking but did get some. Before I share the pictures I'll share how sweet my husband is. I got new pots and pans! And a gift card to one of my favorite stores AND he had one of the pictures I had taken this year framed to have up in our home. How sweet is that!? I think pretty sweet! Anyway - my parents spoiled us too! I also got a new crock pot! Matt got a beautiful new shirt that he loves (which is tricky because he is picky) wait to go Grandma! We got these wonderful church books from our cousin that the girls love (so we love them too) My sister had my name and made me a beautiful necklace! I can't believe when I wear it that she made it! I was so impressed! And she made this beautiful little home decor thing? For all seasons! I LOVE it! I will post a picture of it . . .soon! Matt got a nerf gun! And the girls? . . .they got ( I hope I can remember it all) Evelyn got new slippers! SO cute! And a horsey from Uncle David and Aunt Sheridan. Leah got a baby doll from Grandma and Grandpa. They each got a little monster (you'll see in a picture below) And a new doll house. Yay! We all love to play with it! And a chalk board from Santa to play school and suckers! And little animals and clothes and Evelyn got big girl panties. We hope this gift starts getting used soon. Anyway - - it was a WONDERFUL Christmas!

I was glad we got to go to church! And afterwards we found what little snow existed and had a wicked snowball fight!

That afternoon we headed out to Aunt Karla's for more good food and great family!
(the day after Christmas) enjoying their new Christmas pajama's and toys.
I am grateful for the Christmas that we had. And SO grateful for the wonderful family I have to share it with. I know the real celebration is the life of Our Savior Jesus Christ. Matt and I did our best to help our girls understand that and in reminding them of the true gifts of Christmas it helped my gratitude for the Christmas story - the birth of Our Savior. I love Him! And know He loves us! The gift I hope to give Him this new year is that my girls will know of His love and have a desire to share it as they grow.

Christmas at our house

2011-12-27T20:38:00.024-07:00

Well we will start with Christmas or rather Christmas time at our house. We were at my parents the week of Christmas but before we went up there we celebrated and relaxed and had our own traditions here at home. The tree was always on and lots of Christmas music was played and really cute pajamas were worn on really cute girls!
And Leah started her journey to walking . . .she is SO close!

There was the chillin in the hall with all the stuffed animals (it is a favorite - don't ask me why in the hall? I have no idea) but I don't care where it happens when they are playing together my heart is happy!
Does this picture look weird to anyone else?
Matt and I started a tradition - hot chocolate from scratch with peppermint ice cream melted in while watching Miracle on 34th street and cutting out snowflakes! GREAT date night!

Abby got engaged! (the girls fairy god mother) YAY! (They wouldn't hold still for the picture I was taking to send to Abby and Chancen so I gave them oranges so they would hold still)
Black berries went on sale! (and half of Leah's shirts got permanently stained) oh well. She LOVED them! Evelyn too. I thought I would make jam out of them so I bought a lot! And they ate them all!!!
Dad made his yummy spaghetti!
We made a Christmas present for the birds. We have LOTS of beautiful birds - all kinds. We made them bird feeders and the birds loved them! SO fun to watch!

Dad got a Christmas present early (the comfy chair they're sitting in) He was very happy!
The girls had fun with him and with the box it came in
Riverwoods! We went here a couple times! A fun play ground - a carousel - and pretty lights at night

She even makes a boogie nose look cute! Leah got sick - really sick over the break. It was SAD! The only good that came of it was how cuddly she was . . .we were so happy for her when she started feeling better!
She wasn't sure about the ride but we think she will love it like her sister next time

LIGHTS!

It was lots of work to all be home together in a little place like our home but we sure enjoyed it too! I love my family and am SO grateful they are in my life! They make it completely wonderful!

Grandma and Grandpa Hunter

2011-12-05T18:22:00.019-07:00

Well right now I am not liking blogger. Why is this underlined!!? I do not know or I would fix it and even my very smart sister cannot help. Alas . . . let us move on! We had quite the treat this last weekend. Matt's mom was up so we played hard! We started out with a little light coloring and then moved on to bigger things like . . .

. .going to fun places! . . .
And eating good food . . .
Leah and a lemon wedge provided some good entertainment
AND we got to go swimming at their hotel! The girls LOVED it! And I loved the hot tub! And getting to see the girls with Grandma and Grandpa.
We jumped!
And played with rubber duckies and splashed and looked cute! ( Leah grew out of her swim suit and this time of year they're not so easy to find)
Matt taught Evelyn about emotions and they practiced their sad face, happy face and . .
surprised face! ha ha!
We really had a good time.
And then we dressed up as warm as we could! To go see the lights. It was cold but absolutely beautiful! And fun to be with each other.
Leah really did enjoy it . . her hat just kept sliding down over her eyes
Evelyn LOVED it! She kept running around saying 'I need to see more lights!'
And lights we saw! I think it gets better every year!
Thank you Grandma and Grandpa Hunter! We LOVED playing with you! And were so grateful for the time you took to come see us! Hope you're enjoying warm waters and sun for us (on their cruise) Love you!!!

Home again home again

2011-11-28T13:35:00.017-07:00

You know it has been a long enough vacation that you are ready to come home. It was good to come back. We had missed Dave and Jess so much the first thing we did was go up and play with them. We're so grateful for good friends!
Matt enjoyed him some cinnamon eggnog
. . while we made these pretty (and yummy) things.
It was a great way to bring in the Christmas holidays! Good friends and good food!
Sunday we celebrated Thanksmas! It is a holiday I made up and my favorite day of the year. You pretty much eat turkey and rolls and listen to Christmas music and decorate the house. I like it because for me it is all the excitement and magic and special things you do to to get ready for Christmas that make it such a wonderful time of the year. So the time between thanksgiving and Christmas is what I love. Anyway it started in my family and we are carrying to our own. Evelyn caught right on.
It is a must that we get to eat left over turkey for weeks so even if we are somewhere else for Thanksgiving we always have to cook our own. This year was our 4th turkey! Matt prepared is as always and it was divine! Thank you Matt! You are my master chef! While we waited we watched the deer outside our window eat the rose bushes. . . .
And I attempted (for the first time) homemade rolls. They turned out surprisingly delicious for my first time. It was probably the recipe. . . .
The girls loved watching the deer and we loved it too! It kept them entertained for almost a half hour!
Evelyn found my snowman collection. I think they are now her collected snowmen. . .
Leah napped and then finally woke up to join us in time for . .
The lighting of the tree!!!

Didn't they do a wonderful job? The girls helped me put on the decorations. (I wasn't feeling the best) forgive the, 'I haven't slept in days' look on my face. It really was a wonderful day! This will be our fourth Christmas here in Wymount. It will also be our last (at least for four years) you never know what the future will hold and I have learned to not rule out anything! I told Matt when I was putting the fall decorations away that the next time we get these out will be at our new place hopefully up in Washington. That's wild! I will not get sentimental here because there is too much to say already. I will say this though. We have been so greatly blessed here at BYU and will (and do) treasure our time here. We have been and are surrounded by the most incredible people! We have learned so much! And hopefully grown in the process. And I am already starting to get reminiscent so I will stop!
And just say we love our home and are glad to be back! Just a couple more weeks of school. Good luck to Matt and all other students out there. May you be able to stay focused and diligent till finals end. On a side note our guess is that Leah will be walking by Christmas. She is so close! I took her for her 9 month appointment today. Could time really be going that fast!? I guess it does when you are having fun!

2011-11-25T21:57:00.045-07:00

This last week has been wonderful and full of so much fun!(which is probably why I can barely keep my eyes open and the girls and the hubby are fast asleep) Matt worked hard to be caught up so he could take a break with us and we enjoyed it very much! It started out with a snowman . . .
Adding the finishing touches (we decided he is a back woods Kentucky snowman)
Evelyn thought he was wonderful!
Things were getting off to a good start!
Then there was the cuddling, relaxing and reading of books with daddy (and all the animal friends of course!)
And then there were bubbles . . .or Santa!?
HO HO HO!
Really this picture tells the wrong story. Evelyn would not stop covering Leah with bubbles but Leah learns quickly and wants to be just like her sister so Evelyn got her own
Too much fun! And TOO cute!
There was some playing of the piano . . .

And some bundling up!
Practicing the tumbling skills
Some goofing off
And being silly/cute
And helping with Christmas lights! ( this was my favorite part when I was a little girl)

Some chillin with the fam ( me and my homeslice)
And then came Turkey Day! Which had to start with some good ol' turkey ball!

I was too busy playing to get pictures of the others or the sweet plays but I have to say I think Matt's bobble catch was the best most awesome one of the day! After bouncing off at least two other players at least once and a dive onto the pavement a touch down was scored. Wait to go sweet cakes! It was fun! We love football!
And then we headed to the Butterfield Thanksgiving. I feel like there should be one more in this picture - that would be Grandma B. I miss her this time of year. I know we gather for Thanksgiving but I also know we gather in her honor. Each of us have been touched by her goodness. I am grateful for the legacy of faith she has left us and grateful for the family that still gathers together and carries it on.
My mom reminds me of her. And I am so very grateful that my children have her as their grandma!
There's a saying I've heard that went something like this, 'the only things better than having you as parents is that my children have you as grandparents' and that is exactly how I feel! Grandpa let Leah try some . . . ( I don't know what that is) but I do know she loved it!

And sweet Evelyn has no idea her turkey (her best friend according to her) is what we are eating! YUM!
The little kid table is where it's at!
There was some playing and hiding and seeking
And then the making of gum drop turkeys! My favorite. Because when I was a little girl my Grandma B always made sure we got to make a gum drop turkey. Thank you to Aunt Karla for carrying on traditions.

Evelyn's first gum drop turkey. Hopefully there will be many more to come and the years that follow! I love traditions and treasure the memories!
Then came second Thanksgiving (thank goodness it was the next day) at the Hirschi's! I have many memories here as well! They are dear to my heart and I love my grandma and grandpa more and more as I learn each day how much work a family is and admire how they make sure such a big family (now) still is getting together.
Leah cleaned her plate! And got seconds. I think Thanksgiving is one of her favorite holidays (just like her mamma)
And Evelyn got pickles. Thank you Aunt Lydia for bringing them! (sorry we ate SO many) but she was in pickle paradise all day! So I think she likes Thanksgiving too!

Just a few of us. There was a whole other table that I didn't get a picture of

David after eating deliciousy goodness had a tummy ache so Evelyn got him all the comfort. She covered him in stuffed animals and sang him a song
I love my little sweeties and am SO grateful for them!
It has been a wonderful week! Perfect to start the holidays with. We'll head home tomorrow and put up our tree and cook more turkey! I am excited to have the magic of the holidays in our home. I know I am SO blessed! I love my family dearly and I love my God. He has given me all I have! Praised be His name! May we all remember him as this season begins and find true joy in it!

My blessings

2011-11-24T20:34:00.002-07:00

A few days ago Matt showed up on the doorstep with his hands behind his back. I got a little excited - he pulled out this! A GIANT leaf! Now to some it may not have been so special but to me it was! I LOVE autumn! I love the leaves - in fact this year I learned how to wax them and string them around my house so I had their pretty colors up all season long. Anyway - this is not really about leaves. I am grateful for such a thoughtful husband. He found the leaf on his way home from class. He could have had a million things on his mind especially with finals coming up but he was good enough to think of me and to know this would mean something to me. Today is Thanksgiving - so I have been thinking about my blessings. I have SO many but Matthew is my greatest! I am grateful for his friendship, his unconditional love, his integrity, his love of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, his ability to make me laugh, the wonderful father he is, his dedication to family and much much more. I am grateful for my sweet Evelyn. She brightens any room she is in and her tender spirit touches everyone. I am grateful I am allowed to be her mother - to watch her grow and am always so thrilled and impressed with her intelligence and the love she has for life and for others. I am grateful for my dear Leah. Her smile melts my heart and easily spreads! I LOVE her laugh! It makes me laugh! It is like sweet music . . .she LOVES to try new things! I love watching her bravery! She is growing too fast! I am trying to just take it all in. Each moment with her is fun and wonderful and exciting. She is so easy going and accepting. And a great blessing to have in our family. I am grateful for loving, selfless, supportive parents. Now that I am a mom I understand more all that they have done for me and given me but it hasn't ended either. They are always there so willing and so loving and understanding with whatever comes our way. I am grateful Leah and Evelyn have them as grandparents! I am grateful for good friends. I am humbled and often in awe at the people God has placed in my life. Their examples are something I not only admire but also cherish. Their kindness and love is something I will always be in debt to. So many times my sweet family has been blessed by others - I just want to say again how grateful I am for good friends! I am grateful for all the other family I have. Aunts and Uncles and brothers and sisters and cousins and great grandparents. Matt and I truly have been given wonderful families and now with our powers combine (just kidding but I wanted to say that) with our families combined it all is perfect! Being with them is like one big party! I am grateful for a home, for my home! I am grateful for the military and that Matt is able to serve. I am grateful and proud to support him! I am grateful for the mountains! And the beautiful place we live. I am grateful for Brigham Young University. It really has been a privilege to be there these last four years. And I am grateful for the Gospel of Jesus Christ. My list of blessings goes on and on but I feel this blessing - the gospel encompasses it all. It gives me and my family purpose. It brings us true joy! It strengthens and builds my marriage into my dream come true. It brings perspective. It brings peace and simplicity to this crazy world we live in. I am grateful for scriptures. Elder Scott an apostle of The Lord said the scriptures can be a best friend. I know that is true! I am grateful for a living prophet. I know God lives. He loves us and we are the most important to Him therefore He does speak to us. And He has a plan for us. I am grateful for temples and the knowledge/assurance they bring me that God wants and has made it possible for families to be together forever. I know Jesus Christ lives. I know He has conquered everything - death, sin, the trials of this life. And I know His love is real. I am grateful I know this. His life and love is the greatest gift ever given. It has made all my other blessings possible and more real. I love this holiday! And am grateful for this opportunity to acknowledge them and share them. Happy Thanksgiving!

My photography blog

2011-11-23T11:20:00.007-07:00

I really love to take pictures. I love my camera! I feel like I am always in the back of my mind looking through a lens. When I see something I like or a wonderful memory being made I want my camera with me! I have had to learn to balance this out. Some things you just can't capture on a camera - it has its time and place. But Matt is patient and I still feel I can capture some wonderful moments. Lately we have been working on making our blog into a book and I am grateful for the pictures I took/take. Still I don't want to bore everyone with my ALL my pictures. And this time of year especially I have loved the scenery. So I started my own blog of some of my favorite pictures. I really enjoy putting them somewhere. It has been fun! There is an amazing canyon up behind my parents. I have been able to sneak up there a couple times and this is what I have found (don't worry I didn't post much here - I put most of it on the photography blog) but I did have to share a little. Evelyn has come up there with me and loves it too! It is fun to share it with her. So anyway - here it is. Maybe I can call this time lapse. These pictures are of the same place but taken a week and a half apart. I love seasons! And mountains! And getting to capture just a little of it now and then. I feel God has created the beauty just because He knows how much I will love it and feel His love through it. I know God loves us because He shared with us His glorious creations!

Oh what do you do in the winter time when all the world is COLD!

2011-11-23T10:57:00.008-07:00

We have been finding more to do inside because it is pretty cold outside now. One of our new favorites? PAINT!

So Evelyn is not supposed to eat paint and knows it. The other day I was doing some dishes while she was doing water colors and I hear her, "mommy I don't eat paint I just eat food" and I turn around to this. I said Evelyn you ate paint! She said no I don't eat paint. I tell her I know you did. She looks at me wondering how I know that. I tried to explain what lying or a fib was. I gave up and just took pictures cause it was so darn cute and funny. Mom of the year award goes to me this time! LOL. But so that you know water colors doesn't make you sick. In fact water colors are really SO much fun! Sometimes Evelyn takes my paint brush or paints on my picture and I feel a little sad. LOL. But then we paint together and love it! One of our master pieces

She is an artist at heart I think! She loves anything artsy . . .you can see it in her face!
And even though the nights are colder than the days Matt and I braved it and went to what will probably be our last football game in this stadium for a while and at least as students here. It was so much fun! The hot chocolate was to die for! It was all worth it just to get the hot chocolate but the game wasn't half bad either. Here is BYU running it in for another touch down!
We have loved our time here at BYU. It is an incredible place! It is wild to know there is just one semester left. We will have been here four years! Funny how time flies and things change. I have been so grateful to have Matt by my side these last four years and for all the experience we have gained. We have truly been blessed to be here at this time in our lives. I love you shnookum wookum!

LEAVES!!!

2011-11-23T10:35:00.010-07:00

The only thing better than leaves all around is having a daddy to play in them with! I'm said this picture is a little blurry . . .but it's perfect too! We had so much fun!
Evelyn 'dad . . you got leaves on me?" Ha ha!
She got him back!

And then of course we had to roll in them!
Mom even put her camera down to roll in them
I love the look on her face! I love autumn! I love my family!

THE Halloween

2011-11-23T10:16:00.009-07:00

Our witch and our spider! I made the costumes this year. It was actually really fun! I can't believe I made a dress . . . the spider costume was so easy! Anyway - I was kind of proud of my work. It's no perfect but the girls made it look good! They are the light of our life! They bring us so much joy! Holidays were fun before but having these two around adds a great deal of enjoyment and magic to them!
We practiced on Dave and Jessica's door. . . .and Evelyn caught on right away
This is where the booty goes. (showing Uncle Derek all the candy she has)
Trick or treating in apartment complexes is a little different but we have great neighbors and they sure make it fun! I was grateful for all the work this couple went to. (you'll have to click on the picture and make it bigger. This small picture just doesn't do justice) It made it fun and special for us! (I wonder what their house and yard will look like one day if they can make a stairwell look this spooky)
Cute!
It was a magical night! Riding on horses . .
There was a mysteriously handsome man . . .
And a darling witch flying in the air. A Halloween to remember!

New Tradition . .

2011-11-23T07:23:00.012-07:00

We love traditions! We are having so much fun making new ones for our family. And we had to keep up our Halloween celebrations! So we had a special Halloween dinner on Sunday. We were so excited for it! Evelyn is always a good helper and made sure the batter was mixed up really well

Mmmm . . .YUM!
Here is our Halloween dinner. I have never made pumpkin panckes but that is all I ever want to make now. They were SO yummy! And easy and healthy. So the entree was pumpkin pancakes - bat wing (bacon) and frankenstein brain with a little bit o blood (hash browns with ketchup) Evelyn didn't quite get it this year but I think in years to come it will be so fun! I need a good drink to go with it. Anyone have any ideas?
Leah got to have some pancake and LOVED it just as much as us
It was a fun delicious dinner! And then we had the lighting of the pumpkins for the second night in a row

And we sat and just watched them.
It was a fun and exciting day! Wore dad right out! (I sure love this man) he sat down and fell asleep after he cleaned up all of dinner. I am so blessed!

Best Dressed Family Is . . . . .

2011-11-22T22:27:00.011-07:00

THE CROOKS! That's what we were for Halloween. We had our ward Halloween party! And this (below) is how much fun we had! That face sums it all up!
(sorry - just had to sneak this pic in)
We even won the costume contest for best dressed family! Yay us!
We taught Evelyn to say 'give me all your candy' in a cute way
We really did have a great time!
And enjoyed the spoils at home. The girls have the candy thing figured out!
You eye it! You grab it!
And you be happy with it! It was a very happy sugar filled night! (and it wasn't even the real Halloween yet) If I were ever robbed by these crooks I would give em all I had - just too darn cute!

The Carving of the Pumpkins

2011-11-22T22:16:00.008-07:00

Then came the carving of the pumpkins. Leah helped me bring them in. ( I LOVE that smile!)

And I LOVE this picture . . had to sneak it in. . . .
Preparing the faces . . .both artists are deep in thought
The GUTS! Ooooh . . . .
Matt was going for a look alike theme this year. I think he did ok!? What do you think?
The punkins I love the mostest! (plus one in bed)
And here's moms
The Crooks pumpkin family (and that is Leah's tongue . . she doesn't have any teeth yet)

I think we are pretty good looking family! Happy for sure!

Getting ready . . .

2011-11-22T21:17:00.010-07:00

Happy Halloween! Doesn't she look excited? She didn't know how much fun she was about to have. Here is a costume preview. We pretty much had a whole weekend of Halloween. Dad was at FTX (field training excercises) so we went up to Grandma and Grandpa's and the festivities began!
Leah was a our little spider. She caught on quick to the fun!
ADORABLE! I think anyway . . .
We got to pick pumpkins out of the pumpkin patch (garden) and color them.
And go get yummy cup cakes from Kyle and RuthAnn's. YUM! So far Halloween is good!
Thank you Grandma and Grandpa! For always making sure we have as much fun possible! And Happy Birthday Grandpa! We're so glad you were born!!!

2011-11-17T11:36:00.000-07:00

Two disclaimers : We have been SO busy this fall having SO much fun! And second - sigh . .one of my dreams is to be an amazing photographer and therefore I take too many pictures! And I love to look at them and so I probably post too many too. Oh well . . . .you've been warned. I love all the seasons! I don't know if I have a favorite but there is something special about fall! And especially after having dad gone so much this summer I feel like we have done a good jub at making sure we enjoy every moment with him back. Life is really good and we have so much to be grateful for! (I am trying to get caught up so I can talk about all our blessings) anyway - really here they are. Family and laughter and family and pumpkins and family and changing leaves and family and little girls . . etc. I usually stay away from making clothes but I thought skirts I could attempt? I had to practice a little because I had costumes I would need to make too so here is my first try . . . . .Evelyn's modeling them for you. LOL. I did NOT ask her nor teach her to pose like this

I realize the skirts aren't in the pictures so much as their faces but it's the faces I love the most anyway.
The homecoming parade (it was really good! Especially when our little chant got the midevil club to do a sword fight for us!)
Uncle Jarod came to stay with us and spoiled us rotten! It's not like we provide the best comfort when it comes to a quiet night and plenty of room so we were really grateful he loves us enough to put up with tight living quarters and crying babies anyway.
Grandma Hunter!
Aunt Gena and Lori
Chillin (hiding out) in the basement
Grandpa Hunter!
Making ghost cookies with Aunt Lydia . .
And of course eating them. YUM!!!
One of my favorites this fall - the discovery of this apple caramel cake. I can't stop making it!
And Hee Haws! It was definitely a highlight for us. The slide was the favorite I think. Everyone kept 'taking Evelyn' but I think it was just our excuse to keep going down. Matt and I want to have one of these in our back yard one day so if anyone knows where to get a huge slab of industrial plastic please do tell . . .
Grandpa, Dad and Bug
Yep! That's Grandpa (my dad) total kid at heart. We love him for it! This picture is awesome!!!
We even got Grandma to brave it. It was pretty wild. She loved it just as much as all of us!
We finally moved on for a bit and fed the goats
I got to ride with Bug in the tractor pull.
And in the middle of it all we got to visit with Chelsea and Alesha - two of Matt's cousins down from Wyoming. It was really good to see them! And we wish we could more.
This was pretty awesome. We all jumped in. It was corn kernels! Much better than sand!
Our little punkin'
Then there were the horsey rides
Dad couldn't resist - and everything is better with two! Evelyn loved having her daddy with her. Yeehaw! (see - Wyoming really did rub off on him - he just is good at hiding it. But in certain moments the cowboy in him comes out!)
We were so glad my parents could join us. Grandparents are SO wonderful!

Leah scored Evelyn's left over sucker and was perfectly content in those few moments
This goat LOVED Evelyn! Didn't want to leave her side and I can't say that I blame him. We love our girls!
Luke and Noelle and Nic joined us! Hooray!
And we just had to show them the slide! We are so grateful for good friends!

Then the real pony ride! I think Evelyn was pretty proud of herself! I told Matt I thought she could get used to this . . .
Me, Leah, Evelyn, Noelle and Luke. This pretty much sums up our summer.
And then on to the pumpkin patch

We found some excellent pumpkins! Grandpa and Evelyn and Dad picked them.
It was a GREAT day/night . . we were there for quite a while. We were so glad my parents could come and share the fun with us!
Something else we loved these past couple months was taking Evelyn to tumbling class! She loved it too!
She tried everything, listened to her coach really well and developed some new skills . .
She was the best on the bars. She loved it and even her coach was impressed with her when she was on them.

Getting her medal at the end
We're so proud of our little tumbler!
This is kind of random but was one if my favorites too. It is just tree behind our apartment but I loved watching it change colors . . .and the grape vine growing up it too was beautiful!

We discovered a dry river bed up at Rock Canyon. Since my girls LOVE rocks it became a favorite play place

It was beautiful up there too! I just love fall!
And visits to Grandma Pat and Grandpa Max! They have a wonderful swing!

And really just are the best to visit! It was a favorite place of mine growing up and I am so grateful for the times I get to take my girls there
We had to come back the next day too!
And we took family pictures. Thank you Logan for taking them! I love my family SO much! It is more work than I ever imagined but it brings the most joy! I know families are the greatest gifts and I am humbled often to be in the family I am. We have so much fun! and are learning so much together and growing. I love my husband! He is my best friend and is always by my side supporting and serving and loving me no matter what. I'm excited for the holidays coming up but even just the every day is wonderful and special! There is a primary song that says God gave us families to help us be what He wants us to be (or something very close to that). I know that is true and I am so grateful for His plan for us!

Leah Lou

2011-10-25T07:23:00.007-06:00

Our little Leah Lou seems not so little anymore. Sniff sniff. We love this girl SO much! She brings so much joy and happiness to us! She is so easy going! SO cute! Giggles so easily! She is such a blessing so us all! She is 8 months old now! And is crawling and standing up and wanting to walk and do everything her big sister does. They're going to be running around before I know it!

And she has a pony tail! Ha ha!
And LOVES sippy cups - I think because it is what Evelyn uses. She gets so excited and proud when she gets to use big girl things. I am not ready to lose my baby . . .but do enjoy watching her learn and grow with her sweet fun personality!

Let me explain

2011-10-25T07:18:00.003-06:00

I think these pictures need an explanation. I came home one night to this - Evelyn running around saying ROAR! with my bra on her head. Hmmm . . .I observed. Once she 'got' dad she then handed him the bra and said now you're the monster! And on it went. Whose idea was this I ask? For those who know my husband you won't have to wonder too much. LOL! I love my little family and the smiles they bring to me!
ROAR!!!!

St. George Marathon

2011-10-13T07:00:00.021-06:00

The month is getting away from me already! The 1st of the month we headed down to St. George with my parents for the St. George marathon. The first thing we did when we got there was get in the pool!

Swimming in the pool or the tub - both are fun! Especially with dad! (this was actually to get warm after.) The clouds came out and the sun went away and it cooled down! I guess it is fall after all.
Leah had to get in on the party too!
Then came the big race! We got there early thanks to Uncle Kent and Aunt Brenda and watched . . . we got to see the very first runner come across. It was BYU's own John Kotter! We know him from when we were in the Bishopric. We were a couple blocks before the finish and he ran past us at about 2:20 or so. AMAZING! It was pretty exciting!
Then came other runners - Unlce Clark!
Daddy!
Nuekerchin ( Matt's military buddy) I don't know how I missed getting a picture of my dad. Probably cause I was so busy screaming GO GRANDPA!!!
Feeling like they just ran 26.2 miles
Matt's dad even made the long trip from Cody down to see him!
We got to see cousin Abby!
Giving Grandpa his great job hug!
And Matt getting his hug!
After that we got to listen to conference. I LOVE conference! It was a little different this time being at the marathon but the blessing of technology has helped us to hear from all the brethren and sisters that spoke. I am SO grateful for a living prophet and apostles. Their words were much needed. After that it was back to the pool!
"I'm going to jump Grandpa"
We have two little fishies in our family. The girls LOVE the water! It was relaxing and SO fun! I don't know how my mom avoided the camera the whole trip! She was (as always) the amazing mom and grandma trying to just be behind the scenes. We love you Grandma!
Trying again to stay warm (poor Evelyn just has no body fat)
It was a great trip. SO nice for our family to get away. It's really the first family vacation we've done all four of us together. It was wonderful! And SO nice to have my parents with us!
And we are SO proud of these men! Matt finished in 3:38. That's 20 minutes off his last time! And my dad finished in 4:06! Pretty amazing for a Grandpa! I am not sure about Nuekerchin but it was his first which means it is just terrific that he did it and can smile after. LOL. Wait to go guys! You are incredible!!!

2011-10-04T10:07:00.021-06:00

You lookin' at me?

The weather has still been pretty warm (although I hear colder weather is on it's way!) but there have been a few mornings we had to put on the hats and jackets. Matt and I LOVE fall! I am SO grateful for seasons! Each one is so fun! And has it's own beauty but fall has a special place in my heart! And we love getting outside to enjoy it! This might be our last fall in Utah for a while so we are trying to make lots of memories to take with us wherever we go (hopefully Washington) (another post) Anyway - we made it up to Bridal Veil Falls and then a couple Sundays ago ( I am a little behind) we made it up to the back of Timp!
It was BEAUTIFUL! And Evelyn was SO happy!
She of course had to play in the water . . . it was freezing cold! So Matt went first and we took turns. It didn't seem to bother her at all! We sure love her . . . so we froze our feet and . . .
. . .tried to get up on the rocks when we could. LOL.

And poor Leah - we just ate her yummy cheeks! I love her cheeks!

The back of Timp was my favorite! We've gone up to this spot every year. It never disappoints!

The girls loved it too!
Pretty leaves!
We now call her moose! She is the cutest moose I ever saw!

Our little pumpkin! (well actually it is a strawberry hat but Evelyn thinks it's a pumpkin . . .
And to top it all off and bring fall in the right way we made pumpkin chocolate chip cookies! YUM! I think Evelyn loves fall too! Happy Fall everyone!

Dirty Dash

2011-09-21T14:13:00.014-06:00

Last Saturday we ran the dirty dash! Two words . . FUN! and DIRTY!

And it was all possible because of my parents (Grandma and Grandpa) Thank you so much for coming down yet again! We sure love and appreciate you!
The preparation started way in advance . . .the making of the vests Rachel and I sort of helped with the prep (actually she helped me get ready for the farmers market booth)

More Prep

Carianne (THE mud luver!)
Ready to go! Does this say intimidation? I think so!
Four little Indians (Rachel met us at the starting line)
And . . .after wards! I didn't have my camera at the actual race and anyway - we will have to find the pictures they took for us and buy them because by the time we were done we were SO muddy and SO cold and anyway - but the race was SO fun! It was wild and crazy! I never would have dreamed something could be so muddy though! We did the 10k. And the obstacles were legit! Walls to climb - tunnels to go through - bails of hay to climb over - a rope wall and much more. And then mud up to my neck! I can't fully describe it I just think you have to experience it for yourself. Matt and I showered at the end. Note to us - if we ever do it again pay for the hot showers! It was SO cold! Washing off was the hardest part! Logan and Carianne didn't wash off. So from their look you can kind of get an idea . . .

It was LOTS of fun! Best part was being with my best friend (even if he was the one shoving me in the mud part of the time) Love you honey! Even when you're dirty!

Sittin' in a tree

2011-09-21T07:36:00.006-06:00

Luke and Evelyn sittin' in a tree . . .
Luke is Evelyn's best friend! They are a day apart. It is fun watching them play together. They are always holding hands. Evelyn is always telling Luke what to do . . .it's a great relationship! Noelle is Luke's mom but more than that she is one of my best friends! She was made my visiting teacher for a couple months a while back and I seriously thank Heavenly Father for that often! She let me do a booth with her at a farmers market a couple weeks ago. It was SO fun! I
We love to get together at the park! At the apartment - or another park or museum - pretty much anywhere there is space for them to run around!
You might ask - is this some kind of arrangement that's been made? Well - we do love the Perner family quite a bit! We might just make sure we get together once a summer and on holidays. We could handle them for in laws very easily!!!
I am glad that Evelyn and I both have such good friends!!! (and Matt too - double dates with Noelle and Nic have to be some of the best!!) Thanks guys for your friendship! We think you're pretty much amazing!

Sweet Silly Girls

2011-09-21T06:57:00.016-06:00

We love our girls! They make us laugh and smile. They light up my days in so many ways! (I did not mean for that to rhyme) It has been busy and tiring and hard with Matt back in school and Grandma and Grandpa not around but these two are worth every minute! Disclaimer - I love to take pictures way too much and love my girls lots and lots so there are lots of pictures. Sorry - I at least know the grandparents will enjoy them . . .
Peekaboo with Uncle David!

Endless fun with the new tent!

Insisting on after seeing me wear it that she needed an apron to cook
LOVE her smile!
Going down the BIG slides now
Practicing her karate (our girls are so beautiful! We are teaching them defensive skills already - no one would dare mess with this! Right?)
Evelyn found the bow board
Swinging - a new favorite past time
Getting in to moms stuff - I seriously just went to grab a diaper and wipes and came back to this!
Thank you sweet Evelyn and Leah for making life SO wonderful!!!

Huntsville Half

2011-09-08T13:54:00.010-06:00

Last week I ran my first half marathon! It was a pretty big deal for me and so I have start right off with thanking everyone who made it possible. My mom! For staying home just about every night and helping out during the day so I could train. Thank you so much mom! And a BIG thanks to my dad. He was my running partner almost every day. Whenever I asked he came and he went my pace and pushed me and encouraged me. I could not have done this without him! And for my wonderful husband! He was so encouraging! Even from miles and miles away I felt his support and excitement for me. He always asked about my run every night and would wait to talk to me till I got back from the run. And then when he got back he was either my running buddy or my babysitter so I could be ready. My brother came with me a couple times too! Thanks David! And my two sweet girls were patient in the jogging stroller or at home so I could take the time to do this. Thank you everyone! It has been so fun to be able to work towards something like this! I love being a mom so much but it does make it more difficult to make time for other things. Running this race was empowering in many ways and I love being back in shape and healthy! Yay! Anyway - on with the post

Waiting for mom and grandpa
Here we come!

At the finish. We smoked it! Under two hours! My sweet dad stayed with me the whole time. I know he could have finished a lot faster and it would have helped him be ready for his marathon but he stayed with me. Thanks again dad!
Getting my congratulations kiss!
My sweet hubby! He got up at 4:30 in the morning so he could run his 18 miles to be ready for his up coming race and then got the girls up here with my mom and helped with them. He is AMAZING! Thank you Matt for always encouraging me! I could not have done it without you!
Me, my Unlce Kent and my dad. Kent is my mom's brother and surprised us by showing up and running too! He finished right before us. My dad is 50 and my Uncle has a few years on him. I look up to them a lot! They are great runners. I hope to keep up this new hobby. And am grateful to have so many to look up to!
Cute girl! We really had fun! The run went by really fast - I think because of the good company and then also the beautiful scenery! Matt fell in love with Huntsville. It reminded him of his home town Cody a little bit. Maybe I'll be back to run this race in four years?
I love my family! And am grateful for all of them for helping me be who I am!

2011-09-06T13:01:00.010-06:00

I've told you about our garden? While up at my parents they were kind enough to let us plant a garden. It wasn't perfect but still part of it felt like it was mine (which was SO fun! I am addicted to yard work) and it grew! One of my favorite things was to go out each morning and see how much it had changed. It's amazing how much growth came in just a few months. Looking back I am amazed - the same crazy thing happened to my girls! They grew so much! Like pumpkins! In just one week that pumpkin up above more than doubled in size! (Leah especially seems to have gone through that change. LOL. She is our little chunker and we love every bit of her!)
I don't know what it is about a pony tail but it made her look so much older. She is talking in full sentences, can sing her ABC's and count to 10 and more. The other day I was trying to cut through a particularly stubborn spaghetti squash - Evelyn comes up "is that hard mommy?" me "yes" Evelyn, "can I help you?" Every day I am thrilled and entertained listening to her!

We're putting Leah to work early . . .she will do all Matt's homework, pay the bills etc and
Evelyn will change the diapers (she is still practicing but getting there)
and feed Leah. Matt and I will soon be living the easy life! Ha ha! Yeah right! Leah is getting up on hands and knees and will soon be crawling. Evelyn has found a new way to throw tantrums and is on nap strike! We are all pretty worn out by the end of the day but it is wonderful! We have so many opportunities to learn the Christ like attributes (patience, charity etc) we could not be more blessed! But seriously! We couldn't. We love our girls and more than anything I love that . . .
They are growing into best friends!

These presious moments make everything wonderful!

BEST DAY EVER

2011-09-05T19:40:00.021-06:00

August 18th really was one of the happiest days! My brother married his best friend! I am SO thrilled that Sheridan is part of our family and SO grateful for the gospel, the temple, the priesthood so that they could be sealed together for eternity. David was and is SO happy! Can you tell?
The siblings . . .YAY! I love my brothers and sisters!
The handsome young men . . . (I have so many more pictures of the temple but believe me there are enough pictures to come)
Evelyn sure loves her Uncle David
As we were leaving Grandma and Grandpa Hirschi were in front of us as we left the temple. I love this picture! I am just very very grateful for the example they have set for us all. I know it has helped each of us as we have built our marriage on the foundation of the gospel.
The handsome couple at the wedding luncheon
My mom decorated it SO beautifully! It was a wonderful luncheon. Sheridan comes from such a wonderful family! I was so grateful for them and for how they support David and Sheridan. She has five older brothers. David has always wanted an older brother. Funny how those things work out.

Then we headed to the reception. It was a long day for two little girls but really they did so well. And they just looked so darn cute! And it was wonderful seeing how happy David and Sheridan were . . .
My handsome groom!
The BEAUTIFUL bride!
We really did have a great day!
This was one of my favorite parts! Sheridan really is a professional aunt! Look at all those nieces. The colors were gorgeous and I loved this picture!
I think these two were my favorite but I am partial . . .
My little family. I have to take this time to say how grateful I am for my own family and my own marriage! Family really brings the greatest joy!
Our little pretty bug. . .
And our sweet cheeks!
I just love this girl! (and I love this picture) I am SO happy for David! He got himself a pretty amazing girl!
My parents are empty nesters now! Crazy that we are all married! We have such wonderful parents!
Whew! It was a wonderful day! One of the happiest I have ever had! Yay! Welcome to the family Sheridan!

2011-09-02T07:00:00.016-06:00

Well ever since boating Evelyn kept asking about water. We couldn't provide the boat but Matt had the perfect idea. Willard Bay doesn't have the best beaches but it worked just fine for us! We brought a blanket and towels and food and us and had SO much fun! Evelyn would have stayed in the water till she fell asleep if we had let her!
Look at that face! Pure delight! Especially getting to play in the water WITH dad! He is the best!
Learning how to swim . . .
And of course a sand castle! Even with the rocky beach we made a pretty good one!
I was in charge of design . . .
Evelyn and Daddy did the wall the mote and the light house . .
Then we swam some more . . .here is our little fish
And here is Matt modeling the 'I'm so white I don't even need to wear my t-shirt look' I think it becomes him very well!
Repairing the light house the waves got to
Awww . . . ! Leah loved the sand. It is so fun watching discovery for the first time (if ya know what I mean)
Then we swam some more
And we sun bathed . . oh did someone need it!

We had such a good time! It is wonderful to be back together again! These smiles say it all!

Fun with the Wangsgards

2011-09-01T07:53:00.016-06:00

One of our favorite memories from this summer was going boating with the Wangsgards. Tyler and Melanie have been two of my best friends for years! We don't get to see each other very often (and in fact this is the first time Matt really met Ty aside from our wedding line three years ago) but being up at my parents we were lucky to get to hang out with them a few times this summer. One of those times we went up to East Canyon Damn. It was a perfect day! It was gorgeous up there and plenty hot which was good because the water was a little chilly. Evelyn wanted to get right in . . and then right out. LOL.
Leah planted some drooly kisses on Mel and had fun chilling with everyone on the boat.

Evelyn watched and hid from the wind

We did some wake boarding. It was Mel and her family that taught me to wake board. It has been about 6 years or so since I last went and I attribute the fact that I was able to get up to them!
They taught Matt too and he was able to get up! Check out that thigh . . .
Then the pro's came out!

We had a great driver and after resting a bit and just cihllin we got out the tube
Evelyn LOVED it and kept saying faster! She is our little fish . . Matt and I went out together on the tube. It was SO much fun!!! I had forgotten how much . . .

The boys went out . . .
And Maddy with her dad
We really had SO much fun! More than anything because of who we were with. Thanks again Ty and May and family! For the fun boating trip and the k-bobs! We really are making plans to somehow buy a lot up in Mt. Green now. LOL!
And I just had to throw this in. You know you've played hard enough when you can fall asleep just like this!

2011-09-01T07:37:00.003-06:00

My little (big) brother got married in the temple this summer! I'll post about that in a bit but the week before was just as exciting. He and his beautiful fiance took out their endowments at the Oquhir Mountain Temple. It was a wonderful night!Very special! Below is my little family. All three of us have now been to the temple. I attribute that to my amazing parents! And think it is quite the accomplishment. Thank you David and Sheridan for sharing your special day with us! And thank you mom and dad for doing all you could to help us each get to the temple!
And here we all are! (minus our two little girls) My family has grown so much! I love it! I love my family! They are wonderful! I am excited for more good time to come together too! I think we are a pretty good looking group too - don't you?

Best Present EVER

2011-08-31T21:20:00.007-06:00

On Evelyn's real birthday we all got the best present ever! Daddy flew home two weeks early from Hawaii! We were SO thrilled! (I cried when I got the text that he could come home early) It was quite the surprise! So we celebrated! Evelyn and Daddy! We went and got frozen yogurt and all shared. Mmmm . . . . Evelyn LOVES raspberries!

And then what was left of the cake got made into a . . .bat? Hey! It worked!
And we sang happy birthday and blew out candles again! Yay! Evelyn was thrilled! And dad showed her how to properly dispose of the candles . .
Happy Birthday again Evelyn! And welcome home daddy! I am SO glad he is back!

The Best Two Years

2011-08-31T20:15:00.010-06:00

Where has the time gone? Our little angel is two! She turned two a couple weeks ago on Aug. 9th. It has been THE best two years! She brings SO much joy to our family! We can't imagine life without her. Her's is definitely a life to celebrate . . .and we did! Her nickname was bugaboo which quickly became the bug. At one year (up above) she had a lady bug cake and this year I couldn't decide - a caterpillar or a butterfly so why not both?
She knew just what to do with the candles and loved the birthday song. For days after she walked around singing happy birthday to Evelyn. Very cute!
She knew what to do with the cake too! I have to add that her favorite part were the gummy worms on the butterfly wings. She ate them all! We were so glad to have so much family there. Grandma Pat and Grandpa Max and of course Grandma and Grandpa Hirschi and Aunt Lydia and Uncle Jacob and Uncle David and (at the time almost) Aunt Sheridan. She got spoiled by them. I am so grateful for the love she feels from them! And Daddy was there through skype for all of it too!
She showed him each present she got
She LOVED/LOVES the wooden train that also works as a puzzle that Grandma Pat and Grandpa Max got!
Jacob and Lydia won her heart with stickers! And every night she sleeps with her unicorn pillow pet from David and Sheridan
And Grandma and Grandpa Hirschi got her this! It is a little tent with a tunnel attatched. She LOVES it! Who wouldn't right!? The next day I finally gave in and brought her breakfast down to her because she wouldn't leave her tent. LOL. It was a wonderful birthday! I am SO grateful for this little girl! I love watching her grow and learn and touch lives. Happy Birthday sweet Evelyn! We love you SO much! And thanks to all who helped us celebrate!

Look Daddy . . .

2011-08-01T14:47:00.013-06:00

Hi Daddy! Sweetheart! Just thought we would share with you what we've been up to . . .just random fun! Can't wait till you're here. The smiles will only get bigger! Hope your first day of work went well! We are proud of you and SO grateful for how well you take care of us! Love your girls . . .

Evelyn with her boat - she LOVES it! Especially when Uncle David plays toy boats with her!
And this well . . . i did it in honor of you. I saw a pair of bottoms laying around and couldn't help but put them on her head. . . .

Your girls in their Sunday best
Sweet cheeks!
I think she looks like a little doll in this dress . .
And Evelyn is our princess. Whenever anyone is in a dress they are a princess according to her . .
Making birthday cards for friends
She's going to learn the ABC's by digestion . . .
Evelyn's new thing - what a weirdo!
Best friends!
And this impressed me so much! My mom found these plastic shapes - I used to play with them when i was little. I told Evelyn to make a caterpillar and this is what she came up with all by herself. I was pretty much amazed! I think she got your brains!!!
Anyway - I'll say it again. WE LOVE YOU! Hope you had a great day!!!

Red Butte Gardens

2011-07-30T11:50:00.000-06:00

A week or so ago we took Grandma and met Uncle Jacob and Aunt Lydia at Red Butte Gardens. It was beautiful! We took muffins (they have really pretty picnic area's) and then headed out to see the flowers. It was SO pretty! And it was still cool since we went early. That also meant we missed the crowds so it was quiet and peaceful. Evelyn loves her Aunts and Uncles and today she picked Unlce Jacob for her little buddy (and it was so cute!) I think she has a special place in her heart for Jacob) Anyway - it is so fun for me to watch my sinlings be aunts and uncles. They are pretty darn good at it too!

So here is Evelyn with Uncle Jacob. He flew her around like an airplane and made sure she got to see everything she wanted. (thanks Jacob!) And Lydia helped too! She was our guide and of course because she was there Leah took a good little nap . . .
Evelyn petting a BIG moose!
And a BIG fish! (she loved the animals they had all around) it was pretty fun! They even have a bosh shaped like a moose or a poodle (depending on who you ask - lol) but my camera died . .
Grandma and her girls . . .
Leah Lou sawing some zz's
We loved all of it but I have to say I was most impressed with (and Evelyn loved the most) their kids area. It was REALLY fun! We got there just as it was warming up which was perfect! They have a small splash pad and water fountains the kids can play with. Evelyn LOVES water!
And they had these fun tunnels to go through . .
We enjoyed ourselves so much! Of course Leah did wake up right after my camera died but she was there and had fun with everyone. Especially Aunt Lydia's face! Thanks Grandma and Lydia and Jacob for taking us to such a pretty place, for the fun we had and for your help so it was a delightful (not crazy stressful) experience!
Some pretty pictures . . .

2011-07-29T18:17:00.001-06:00

Welcome to Hawaii! Wish we could have been your greeting party in person . . .we love you! We miss you! But are SO proud (for those who don't know Matt just graduated from LDAC. So he is pretty much a 2nd Lieutenant in the army - only hasn't commissioned because of the two semesters of school still left) of you and appreciate you so much! Hope you had a good flight and we will talk to you soon!

Aloha from Utah

2011-07-29T11:05:00.005-06:00

Good Friends and Discovery

2011-07-25T20:12:00.001-06:00

We have the best neighbors and friends! Jessica and Dave live right above us down in Provo and we miss them! It has been fun up here and I have gotten to see lots of old friends but I miss my friends down in Provo. I get to drive down once a month and teach relief society which is wonderful because I get to see them all but with two little girls and the stress of teaching (ahhh! I am not a good teacher) it is hard to get any time to visit. I feel like it's hi and goodbye and by the time I have gotten back up to Fruit Heights it is hard to not feel lonely. So what Jessica did last week meant the world to me! She asked if I wanted to go to Gateway Discovery with a coupon she had and she said she would help with the girls. I was SO excited all week! She was SO cute with both girls. Evelyn was glad to have a new play mate who went everywhere and played with everything with her! (thanks Jessica!) and it meant a lot to me! I have wanted to take the girls out and do fun things with them but I get very intimidated with the ratio 2:1. I also have wanted to do anything with friends so this was perfect! There is so much at Discover Gateway too. We had a wonderful time!

(I just had Jess take this picture. I never had both girls. She always had one of them. It was really nice!)
We played house and the carpet was apparently WAY too long!
And saw a horse!
And got to ride it!
Evelyn insisted on sharing the magnets with Leah . . .I can't wait till they can play together more. Right now Evelyn reads her books and piles toys around her but I can tell they are both anxious to do more together
The helicopter we rode (sat) in, but it was pretty life like.
Very noisy with the sound of take off - Evelyn wasn't so sure . . .
Fun with Jessica!
E is for Evelyn! They also did puzzles and reported the news and played in water - attempted a construction site, rode in a fire truck, worked in a garden and more!
And of course we went by the fountains real quick. I had never been either. We were hungry so didn't stay long but it was fun! Thanks again Jessica for being such a wonderful friend!

JUMP

2011-07-23T19:14:00.001-06:00

Evelyn LOVES to jump! My dad has named her 'Evelyn Grasshopper!' she jumps everywhere. All around the house and yard! Well a couple weeks ago she got to jump on a trampoline! She was completely in her element and I had to climb up on the trampoline myself just to get her off. There are a lot of pictures of her just jumping - probably too much but this is for Matt and I want him to feel as much as possible that he got to experience it too in a little way (and plus I just love taking pictures and take way too many all the time) so sorry to those who don't care to see all these pictures (I left out a lot too - promise) you can just scroll to the second from the bottom for the best picture or stop reading now. But for those who will enjoy like daddy and probably grandma and grandpa ....enjoy!
Trying it out . . . .
and . . . .
GO!
Small break . .
Time to start again. Wake up Seth! (Seth was SO cute with her and gentle and fun! She was afraid of nothing by the end - they jumped on knees, ran around the pads (making mom oh so nervous as I chased her to make sure she didn't fall) )

Leah likes jumping too or the feeling anyway - she jumped up and down in my arms (I can throw her up all the way out of my hands now. She's getting so big and she loves it and it's so fun! )
More jumping/running
= more resting
But then up again!
I think she would have jumped herself to sleep if I had let her! To me she is looking more and more like Matt every day. Especially with that smile! We love you daddy and can't wait to play with you when you get back!
Sending lots of love! Your girls!

Evelyn's first hair cut . .

2011-07-22T13:16:00.001-06:00

Evelyn got her first hair cut! A couple weeks ago. I love it! It's SO cute! She was pretty excited because she got to sit in this airplane! (she loves airplanes! We asked he what she wanted to be for Halloween. I don't think she even knows what that means but she said an airplane. LOL) Anyway - she got a little nervous and stayed a little nervous but was SO good and held really still!

I think the bangs part was her least favorite. LOL.

She liked getting it styled. Such a good pretty little Bug! We love you Evelyn!

How I Survive

2011-07-21T11:37:00.001-06:00

It has been extremely hard lately not having this handsome as a devil man in my life. We survived Ecuador ok but letting him go again (especially after having him all to ourselves) was NOT easy!) He is my very best friend! But I'm still here and can say life is good. Actually it is great! I am surviving because I have my two little buddies! They keep me busy enough to not think about things too much but more than that they keep me smiling and laughing and keep my heart full of gratitude! I know one of the reasons Matt is gone is so that I can be home with them! Thank you so much sweetheart! I truly feel so blessed! Having them here with me has made this experience so much easier. They remind me of Matt too. Espeically Evelyn with the faces she pulls and how she can get anyone to laugh. Ahhh . . .I just love our girls!

Another reason we are doing so good? Our Grandma and Grandpa! (my parents) they have bent over backward for us and more to have us in our home and help with everything! From meal times to bath times to diapers and of course play time and so much more! Thank you mom and dad for all you do! We love you!

We decided to explore our swinging skills at this awesome little park! (what with Evelyn figuring out how to hold on etc) She had to start out with Grandma and that was fun! But then! . . .
It got more fun if Grandma was just holding on . . .
Ah the feeling of being independent!
And then! All by herself! Yay! So brave! (this was a big swing . .)
So then her bunny had to swing
And then since she was feeling so brave she had to climb the trees! (actually climbing isn't that new for her. She LOVES to climb!)
Leah and I just took it easy on the swings . . .FUN day! So grateful for my girls! For my husband! FOR FAMILY!

Our 4th

2011-07-20T10:23:00.029-06:00

This 4th of July weekend we decided to celebrate all weekend long! With Matt being gone and a big part of that being to keep our country free we made sure we took advantage of it. We missed him more than ever though so I took lots of pictures just for him! So here ya go honey! Hope you enjoy them and for others - - sorry there are so many. We are just trying to share with daddy all we have been up to -

So we started on Saturday at the Centerville parade. (this is the parade I went to all growing up as a little girl with my Grandma B. and all the Butterfields. I still think it is the best parade!)
We saw lots of pretty floats and a helicopter and
. . . clowns BUT
my favorite this year were these guys! They gave Evelyn a little flag. I started to tear up as soon as I saw them. LOL. And had to explain to Evelyn it wasn't daddy. But was overwhelmed with gratitude and aw now understanding so much more what these men and women go through to keep our country free! It is not easy but I am SO grateful Matt is serving! And wouldn't have it any other way!
They also had many veterans ride through. The pride and emotion only continued to grow. I felt proud to be an American and proud of my husband and humbled to see these men know I enjoy the freedoms I do because of what they gave and because of Our Loving Father in Heaven
Evelyn loved the parade! She caught on pretty quick to the throwing of candy and enjoyed plenty of taffy. Leah took a peaceful nap in Grandma's arms
Later that night Evelyn got to stay up REALLY late! (for her) We had been talking about fireworks and Grandpa wanted her to be able to see some
Uncle David wanted her to see them up close. LOL.
She decided for her first time back with Grandma and mom was better
Thank you Grandpa for getting them and making that night special for Bug!
Sunday we got all dressed up in our best red white and blue! (I thought they looked SO cute!!)
Awwwww . . . . .
Then Monday ( the actual 4th) we headed to the parades again )this time Kaysville's. It was a fun one that's for sure!

Wating with family for it to start

It started out LOUD!! (Evelyn spent the first fifteen minutes of the parade like this!
Enjoying it with Grandpa Max and Grandma Pat
Almost the whole clan came!
Evelyn got pretty excited because Uncle David caught a frisbee and gave it to her. Thanks Uncle David!
And Nathan and Leah bonded (he was so cute with her and didn't want to give her up) We love (cousin? uncle?) Nathan!
And then we got out of there before the water fight! Crazy huh!? I guess it's a tradition of theirs to have a huge water fight . .
Then it was home for naps. And then back down to Grandpa Max's for some grub! It was good grub too! When you get back honey we will grill just like this for you!
And I am sure you miss this too? I think David will appreciate your help when you get back
Evelyn tried out the swing again and then . . .
decided she was big enough to do it on her own. She now has the swing thing down pretty good!
Cute! cute! cute!
Cousins!
Our monkey monkeying around (she thought she was pretty cool that she could do this)
It was a wonderful weekend! Lots of missing our daddy though. We will be SO excited to celebrate with him next year! Love you SO much hon!

Hirschi Reunion

2011-07-15T19:10:00.034-06:00

This is my Grandma and Grandpa Hirschi. I love them SO much! They not only are two of my best friends but also have given Matt and I such a wonderful example to follow! There have been several times now when Matt and I have mentioned that our goals in life very much entail having what they have or achieving all they have. They have made family a place where you always want to be. (if that makes sense?) Anyway - lets just say we were pretty excited for the Hirschi Reunion this summer and it did not disappoint! Thank you to them and wonderful aunts and uncles and cousins and parents who made it so! A big thanks especially to John and Kim for making it all happen! The look on Leah's face says it all! We had a SO much fun!It all started out the right way to begin with. Chocolate! Marshmallows! (GIANT marshamallows) Graham Crackers! Fire, good friends and errr.. . . great stories!!!
YIKES!
YUM!!!
That's my husband!
More yum!
There was luv!
And lots of playing!
And more playing!
Evelyn just picked flowers . . .
And we played some more!
There was some Cox competition to match the Hirschi's
A little father - son fun!
And . . .I really don't know what to say about this one except to again say, "that's my husband . . " and I sure do love him!!!
And look close - he is now on the ground. Papa Hirsch is making sure he is still alive
We play hard so there is always some zzzz's
(SO CUTE!)
SO cute too! Hee hee!
Ummm . . . .cute? You can decide. But he really did fall asleep just like this!
We played some more!
And this year we got to go to the Manti Pageant! And experience spiritual ecstasy . . .LOL. But seriously I am laughing out loud right now.
Handsome devils!
More fam!

(my favorite picture!) click on it and make it bigger . . .)
And the family council (aka push grandma's buttons)
We love you grandma! And we love all of you! Thank you for all you each bring to our family! We missed those who couldn't be there and only hope you can be next year! For those who were there thank you for loving and playing with our girls and for loving Matt! (smiley face) we really are so grateful to be part of such a wonderful family!!!
(Grandpa sitting back and enjoying the family council (the pushing Grandma's buttons) We love Grandpa too!
Just some pictures I took. We were down in Fairview UT this summer. It was BEAUTIFUL!!! Thanks again John and Kim for all your hard work! It was terrific!!!!

2011-07-11T21:30:00.025-06:00

A few weeks ago we went to Temple Square with Grandma and Grandpa and Aunt Lydia and Uncle Jacob. It was GORGEOUS!!!

Matt modeling the bjorn
Tender! (I am SO grateful for family!)

The flowers were amazing!
I find myself looking at this picture often. I am SO grateful our family has been sealed together in the temple. This knowledge has brought me a lot of peace and comfort this summer! How grateful I am to have the gospel in my life and in my family!
Then a few days later we grabbed Grandma, picked Grandpa up at work and made Uncle David come along with us to the zoo! We saw some cuties!

And lots of animals! I don't know who had more fun. Evelyn, Matt or David. LOL. Or us watching them . . . .
This ostrich was my favorite! That is crazy with its neck like that . . .

Evie and Uncle David watching the elephants. We were here last year for Evelyn's birthday and it was also the baby elephants birthday. They grow SO fast!!

Evelyn got to ride a rhino! Grandma was especially impressed by this! Ha ha! We love you mom!
Leah stayed awake for all of it! I couldn't believe it! She was quiet watching everything. She is such an angel!
We had way too much fun on these cats!

Two of my favorite people ever!
They had these dinosaurs and they would roar at you and let me tell you - they really were scary! Evelyn really didn't like this one! We all walked by pretty quickly. It looks real doesn't it?
Evelyn did love this lion! I am sure it is covered in germs but it was way too much watching her try to get to the water. She was on tippy toes with that tongue out for over a minute trying to get that water and even after she got some she didn't want to leave. I think this was her favorite thing she saw.
David got a little tired and you know how mom is . . . always willing to do anything for you!
Look closely - I spy an . . . . .eye!??! Do you see it?
Not the biggest fan of cats but this was pretty cute!
Some of Bug's other favorites were the bats and the gorilla! I didn't get a picture of it but the gorilla came right up to the window to Evelyn. She was pretty nervous. I would be! He was big! She quietly whispered, "hi gorilla" It was precious! And on the way out she got to pet this lizard. I was really proud of her that she touched it. That's my girl! Thanks to all my family who come and do things with us and love our girls!

2011-07-10T14:41:00.003-06:00

We went hiking up Bear Canyon (our favorite) it was and still is beautiful! Matt would sometimes put Evelyn in the kelty and hike as far and fast as he could to get ready for rucking (sp?) at LDAC. We went together as much as we could too.

Evelyn loves throwing rocks into the water. . . .
It was SO green! And the water so high . .
Ummm . . . .
Leah loves being outside as much as the rest of us. She was so calm and happy!
Daddy and his girls at our camp spot
Pretty pictures . . . .!

2011-07-09T14:27:00.005-06:00

Fun on a Sunday! A polka dot Sunday . . . .

2011-07-08T13:00:00.001-06:00

Something else we did was go to the Hill Air Force Museum. Evelyn LOVES airplanes!!! It was lots of fun! It was a really nice museum! (and free) and it was a beautiful day! There was a lot of interesting things to read . . .
And see . . . .

The bigger planes were outside. We saw an old medic helicopter. Interesting for Matt especially. There was even more inside. . . .Evelyn was flying her hand around saying vroom . . .! It's what she does when she see's an airplane in the sky. Cute!

This was the chair they put you in to see if you would get air sick - it spins all around and upside down
We had a really good time! It was fun to see Evelyn get excited about almost every plane! And fun to be out together!

Here We Go . . . .

2011-07-07T13:19:00.008-06:00

My posts are all out of order and I am SO behind! Oh well . . . .! Matt got home from Ecuador the very end of May. We were SO excited to see him! And have him home (with no other commitments - it was wonderful!) So in June we played and played. I didn't take the time to blog. But Matt's gone again. He won't be able to look at the blog till Aug really but I think I better start catching up now so I can have everything up to date and keep posting for him while he's in Hawaii. So if you can follow all that here we go . . .

One of the first things we did when Matt got home was plant a garden! How fun it has been to have a yard! A BEAUTIFUL yard! And we are trying to take advantage of it while we have it so . . .
We helped my mom take all the strawberries out of a an old and very large strawberry patch. She transplanted some somewhere else and we all went to work. Daddy and Evelyn weeding and strawberrying? Uncle David came and helped too and Grandma had done a lot -
Evelyn was such a good helper! Really she was!
Matt would dig up the strawberries and she would take them to the pile . . . SO CUTE!
She seemed to think Leah was being lazy and wamted her to work too. LOL. I think Leah wasn't so sure about that!
We planted zuchinni, pumpkins, crookneck, brusselsprouts, carrots, beets, tomatoes, potatoes, peppers, peas and pole beans. We planted flowers too. It was really so much fun! More than anything because it was a family activity but I love yard work too so I really enjoyed it! And now we are watching it grow! Grandpa (my wonderful dad) has made sure of that! He keeps it weeded and watered and is out there almost every night working on it. I found it is hard to keep a garden up with two little ones to also take care of. I have been so grateful for all he has done! I think we will have a good crop this year! It has been fun - all of us go out at some point in the day just to see how everything is doing.
A few weeks ago -
A few days ago -

Thanks dad (Matt) for all your help! Hopefully you will get back just in time to help us eat it all!

2011-07-05T21:16:00.001-06:00

The Best Three Years!!!!

(forgive me - these are pictures of a picture) lmost our things are down in Provo. Including the hard drive with old pictures on it)

This is the love of my life! He is my other half! (the better one) literally. He is gone right now and I really feel like part of me is missing. He is the greatest thing that has ever come into my life! And it gets better all the time. Sometimes by the minute! Today we have been married 3 years! WOW! He is not here to celebrate and remenis with me so you get to instead. LOL. It has been a busy day! I think the girls kept me busy so I wouldn't get too lost in my thoughts or mope around. But I have still had memories come to mind and have enjoyed remembering the last three years. I am so grateful for Matt! He has made so much in my life better! For example - the picture at the top is from when we were dating. I always keep it where I can see it often. It is of Matt and I studying together! For a math final I took. The one class I had to take after the mission was math and I had a hard time remembering (after not being in class for so long) procedures etc. I was really struggling in the class. So much so that if I did not pass the final I would not pass the class. I was embarassed to tell Matt - he always does so well in school but when I told him he was understanding and asked for my book and cancelled all our plans for the weekend (and that is the only time we got to see each other) We spent ALL NIGHT friday studying until we couldn't keep our eyes open but then Saturday morning we went right back to it. ALL DAY we studied! But it wasn't miserable because Matt made it fun and he is a good teacher! He made sure I understood each different theory or problem before we would move on. I really actually enjoyed it because I understood. Anyway . . .when grades came I got a B+ in the class. That means I aced my final! I keep that picture where I can see it often. That act of love ( to me it was - it was selfless and kind) has meant so much to me! And things haven't changed much. Matt is my best friend! He is my greatest supporter! I have been playing soccer again and he came to every game he could! He makes everything better - even things like dishes or mopping or shopping. I enjoy them all when he is there with me! He makes me laugh! And more than anything I love watching him as he accomplishes and achieves greatness! He will graduate next spring with a Bachelors from BYU and be a registered nurse. He will also commission as an officer in the army and (best of all) to me is he will have two little girls running around who absolutely adore him! He works SO hard! And takes such good care of us! I know he does not want to be gone right now but it is a sacrifice he is making so that he can support and take care of his family. He loves The Lord. It is to Him that his first priority is and I know that is why our family has been so blessed and while life is not perfect we really are happy! He is the priesthood leader in our home! I cannot express the gratitude I have for him keeping his life worthy so he can bless us in that way! And I feel like I could go on and on . . . but I won't. (I will go write him instead and go on and on there) I'll just say one more time that I love him! I have loved our last three years together! And am thrilled when I think what lies ahead. I know as long as he is there (and he will be) it will be wonderful! Thank you sweetheart! (when you finally get to read this) for the three greatest years of my life!

If this much can happen in three years!? I don't think I can even start to imagine what the next three might bring . . . .

2011-07-03T20:55:00.002-06:00

This Fourth of July . . . . . . .is a little different from ones in the past. The difference has caused me to reflect a lot over the weekend. My gratitude for our country and all who have given what they have to make it free has grown so much! And I sure tomorrow as I see the flag and the honored veterans in the parade and as we celebrate our country that gratitude will continue to grow. The difference that has brought this about is that our father and dad is gone! He left this last week to go to military training. And for the next four weeks we can't talk to him at all! May brought it's learning experiences with him being in Ecuador but we could skype and chat while he was there. Even though he is closer (only in Washington) he seems SO much further away! I guess I should mention then that my gratitude for technology has grown too! After the four weeks they will fly him to Tripler Hawaii where he will be an intern till school starts. ( we will get to talk to him there) Anyway - we went to the Centerville parade yesterday. And there they were. The army (or some cadets in the army) handing out flags. Evelyn immediately asked, "daddy?" It was a little hard to explain it wasn't him but I am SO grateful for Matts desire to serve our country! I am proud of him too and know he is engaged in a noble cause! Our government may not be perfect but keeping this country free is something I know God has had a hand in from the beginning. I have thought a lot more about all the men and women who have fought and worked to keep our country free. And the families who let them serve. I cannot say the smallest part of the gratitude that I have for them! Thank you to all of you who have served us and who are serving us! Thank you Matt for being willing to give up some things so that we can have so much! Every night before we put Evelyn to bed we have to sing the daddy song. For those of you who are not familiar with primary songs it goes like this, "I'm so glad when daddy comes home! Glad as I can be! Clap my hands and shout for joy and climb upon his knee. Put my arms around his neck - hug him tight like this. Pat his cheek and give him what? A great big kiss! Mwah! (and you blow a kiss) the night before he left Matt put Evelyn to bed. And I could hear the struggle in his voice as he sang that song. I know he does not want to be away from us. And we wish he could be here. But I know he is in the right place. And it is only a month of training but I know this won't be the only time he is gone either. I am so proud he can serve our country! And again I am grateful to all who have left loved ones and their lives really behind too to serve. And I am grateful to Our Savior Jesus Christ. I know it is because of His life and His atonement that we are truly free! He is the light and the life of the world! I hope you all have a wonderful Independence Day! And are able to celebrate all that has made us free!

And I know I need to update this blog. I will! Matt is gone again so I will post a lot. But we were so busy playing with him in June I haven't had time to till now . . .so more to come soon!